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Toyota RAV4 (2018 year). Instruction - part 19

4-5. Using the driving support systems

307

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse.

It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of

the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehi-

cle’s existence through flashing the outside rear view mirror indicators

and sounding a buzzer.

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1

Approaching vehicles

2

Detection areas

WARNING

■ Cautions regarding the use of the system

The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking

care to observe your surroundings.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replace-

ment for careful driving. The driver must be careful when backing up, even

when using the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual

confirmation of behind you and your vehicle is necessary and be sure there

are no pedestrians, other vehicles, etc. before backing up. Failure to do so

could cause death or serious injury.

According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore

the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

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The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas

The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.

To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert

for faster vehicles from farther away.

Example:

1

Approximate

Approaching vehicle

Speed

alert distance

Fast

18 mph (28 km/h)

65 ft. (20 m)

Slow

5 mph (8 km/h)

18 ft. (5.5 m)

■ The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is operational when

● The Blind Spot Monitor system is set to on.

● The shift lever is in R.

● Vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).

● Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and

18 mph (28 km/h).

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■ Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function will not

detect a vehicle

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is not designed to detect the following

types of vehicles and/or objects.

● Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.*

● Vehicles approaching from directly behind

● Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*

● Vehicles moving away from your vehicle

● Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle*

● Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle*

*: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

■Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not

function correctly

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not detect vehicles correctly in the

following conditions:

● When ice, mud, etc. is attached to the rear bumper

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● During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc.

● When multiple vehicles approach continuously

● Shallow angle parking

● When a vehicle is approaching at high speed

● When parking on a steep incline, such as hills, a dip in the road, etc.

● Directly after the Blind Spot Monitor system is set to on

● Directly after the engine is started with the Blind Spot Monitor system is set

to on

● When towing a trailer

● Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect

because of obstacles

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Driving assist systems

To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following

systems operate automatically in response to various driving

situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-

mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-

ing the vehicle.

◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the

brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface

◆ Brake assist

Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is

depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation

◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on

slippery road surfaces

◆ TRAC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning

when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

◆ AUTO LSD function (2WD models)

The AUTO LSD function is activated when the system is in TRAC off

mode. It operates when one of the drive wheels is spinning, such as when

the wheel is spinning freely on ice or mud. The system applies the brakes

to the spinning wheel and transfers some of the torque to the other wheel

to secure drive power.

◆ Hill-start assist control

Helps to reduce the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an

incline

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◆ Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)

Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)

according to the driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable handling and

stability. Examples of conditions where the system will switch to AWD are

when cornering, going uphill, starting off or accelerating, and when the

road surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.

◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)

Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn

the steering wheel

◆ Trailer Sway Control (if equipped)

Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pres-

sure for individual wheels and reducing engine torque when trailer sway is

detected.

Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC

turned off or experiences a malfunction.

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When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating

The slip indicator light will flash

while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway

Control systems are operating.

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Disabling the TRAC system

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may

reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing

to turn the

system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to

free it.

To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release

Press

again to turn the system back on.

 2WD models:

 AWD models:

The “AUTO LSD” and VSC OFF

“Traction Control Turned Off” will

indicator lights will come on.

be shown.

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■ Turning off the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems

To turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off, press and hold

for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.

“Traction Control Turned Off” will be shown and the VSC OFF indicator light

will come on.*

Press

again to turn the systems back on.

*: On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-

collision braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on

and the message will be shown on the multi-information display. (→P. 242)

■When the “AUTO LSD” indicator light flashes even if the VSC OFF

switch has not been pressed (2WD models)

TRAC, AUTO LSD and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact

your Toyota dealer.

■ When the message is displayed on the multi-information display show-

ing that TRAC has been disabled even if the VSC OFF switch has not

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been pressed (AWD models)

TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota

dealer.

■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC/Trailer

Sway Control, TRAC and hill-start assist control systems

● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal

is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle

begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has

occurred in any of these systems.

● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are

operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.

• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.

• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.

• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.

• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

■EPS operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be

heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems

After turning the TRAC and VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off, the sys-

tems will be automatically re-enabled in the following situations:

● When the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without

smart key system) or off (vehicles with smart key system).

● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle

speed increases.

If both the TRAC and VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off,

automatic re-enabling will not occur when vehicle speed increases.

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WARNING

■ The ABS does not operate effectively when

● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as

excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).

● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.

■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-

mal conditions

The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always

maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the

following situations:

● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads

●When driving with tire chains

●When driving over bumps in the road

● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces

■TRAC may not operate effectively when

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Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-

pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.

Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be

lost.

■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when

● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may

not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the

vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use

hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may

lead to an accident.

■When the VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated

The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may

cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

■ When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off

Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-

tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving

force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless

necessary.

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Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before

driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-

ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.

Preparation for winter

● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-

tures.

• Engine oil

• Engine coolant

• Washer fluid

● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.

4

● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire

chains for the front tires.

Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match

the size of the tires.

Before driving the vehicle

Perform the following according to the driving conditions:

● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.

Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away

the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.

● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,

remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in

front of the windshield.

● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-

mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the

tires or on the brakes.

● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before

getting in the vehicle.

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4-6. Driving tips

When driving the vehicle

Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and

the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-

ditions.

When parking the vehicle

● Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the

parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from

being released. If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking

brake, make sure to block the wheels.

Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehi-

cle to move unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.

● If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm

that the shift lever cannot be moved out of P*.

*: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any

other position without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be

shifted from P, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the

vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Selecting tire chains

Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.

Chain size is regulated for each tire size.

Side chain:

1

0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter

2

0.39 in. (10 mm) in width

3

1.18 in. (30 mm) in length

Cross chain:

4

0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter

5

0.55 in. (14 mm) in width

6

0.98 in. (25 mm) in length

Regulations on the use of tire chains

Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-

tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing

chains.

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■ Tire chain installation

Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:

● Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.

● Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear

tires.

● Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after

driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).

● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

WARNING

■Driving with snow tires

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.

Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or

serious injury.

● Use tires of the specified size.

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● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.

● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of

snow tires being used.

● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.

■Driving with tire chains

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.

Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,

and may cause death or serious injury.

● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being

used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.

● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.

● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting

operations that cause sudden engine braking.

● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-

trol is maintained.

● Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system (if

equipped).

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NOTICE

■ Repairing or replacing snow tires (vehicles with the tire pressure warn-

ing system)

Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-

mate tire retailers.

This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-

tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.

■ Fitting tire chains (vehicles with the tire pressure warning system)

The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly

when tire chains are fitted.

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Utility vehicle precautions

This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has

higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the

height of its center of gravity to make it capable of performing in

a wide variety of off-road applications.

Utility vehicle feature

● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than

ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this

type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles

have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

● An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the

road allowing you to anticipate problems.

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● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary pas-

senger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to

perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp

turns at excessive speeds may cause the vehicle to rollover.

WARNING

■ Utility vehicle precautions

Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, seri-

ous injury or damage to your vehicle:

● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die

than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers

should always fasten their seat belts.

● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.

Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or

vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.

● Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier (if equipped) will make the cen-

ter of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp

turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss

of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.

● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher

center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-

nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.

● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or

straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle)

can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.

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4-6. Driving tips

Off-road driving

When driving your vehicle off-road, please observe the following pre-

cautions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to help prevent the clo-

sure of areas to off-road vehicles:

● Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permit-

ted to travel.

● Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering

private property.

● Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs

that restrict travel.

● Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving tech-

niques should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to

roads.

■Additional information for off-road driving

 For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:

To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road,

consult the following organizations:

● State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments

● State Motor Vehicle Bureau

● Recreational Vehicle Clubs

● U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

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